UND’s 10th annual Relay for Life is set for April 12-13 at Hyslop Sports Center

The next University of North Dakota Relay for Life event takes place April 12- 13 at the Hyslop Sports Center.

This year’s event, the 10th annual running of the cancer-battling fundraiser, goes from 6 p.m., Friday, April 12 until 6 a.m., Saturday, April 13.

Relay for Life is part of the American Cancer Society; it is an event that raises money to help cancer patients and for cancer research.

“Cancer affects everyone; everyone knows at least one person who has battled cancer,” said Kirsten Meyer, a student UND’s College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines and co-chair of UND’s Relay for Life event.

Meyer’s passion for Relay for Life comes from her personal experience.

“My aunt died in 2006,” she said. “There should have been more that could have been done.”

Meyer, who plans to pursue a career in oncology, said she had an awakening after that.

“I am fighting for people not only in the past who have dealt with cancer but also my future patients,” Meyer said.

UND’s Relay for Life event will “celebrate the survivors and remember those we’ve lost,” said Michelle Hamilton, UND Relay for Life development committee member.

During the event participants can expect to walk around the Hyslop track. There also will be live musicians, blow-up games, Zumba and a pizza party. Many teams that participate in Relay for Life bring their own games and activities as well.

“It’s a fun way to bond with your friends, and to bond with complete strangers over this disease that has affected so many of us,” Meyer said.

“We hope that each participant raises at least $100,” she added.

Participants also can donate money toward luminary bags, which will line the track and be lit after sunset. Luminary bags can be in memory of people who died from cancer, for patients who are battling the disease or those who have survived it.

Relay for Life was brought to UND in 2004 and has raised more than $237,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Donations can be brought to the event or submitted at www.relayforlife.org. Anyone who is interested in participating in Relay for Life can create a team online or the day of the event.

“Relay for Life is a great event for participants of every age to come together and raise money for a great cause,” Hamilton said.